Author Jason Ryan recently released “Jackpot: High Times, High Seas, and the Sting That Launched the War on Drugs,” a researched account of Operation Jackpot and a book the Lowcountry has been anticipating for quite some time. …

The sounds of dance music and the aroma of frying fish will pervade the Old Commons Neighborhood Saturday, May 21, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., when The Foundation Band plays three-hours of blues, R&B, oldies and pop hits outdoors in the heart of the Commons. Nearby the Sons of Beaufort Lodge #36 will hold an old-fashioned fish fry with all the trimmings, noon – 6 p.m. …

Imagine yourself strolling along the Waterfront, your Best Friend stepping smartly alongside you on a relaxed leash. He sits politely and waits, sniffing into the breeze, while you chat with friends you meet along the way. This is the image most dog owners have in mind when they adopt a warm, fuzzy puppy or give a rescue dog a second chance for a loving lifelong home. …

RING!!! RING!!! RING!!! “Darn it. I forgot to turn off the cell phone!” !!! RING! RING! ! !!! “How many times is it gonna ring?! Don’t they know it’s 5 o’clock in Beaufort?!” !!!! RING! RING! !!! “Oh my god, they’re calling back!! It could be an emergency!” !!! Lanier shakes his head ‘no’ violently and bugs his eyes out with his best ‘don’t-you-dare’ look. …

Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Business After Hours on Thursday, May 12 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Atlantic Marine Corps Communities at Tri-Command is located at 299 Birch Drive in Laurel Bay.

Business After Hours events provide networking opportunities for Chamber members and guests. The event is open to Chamber members for $10 and all others for $20. Please RSVP to Amy Kaylor at (843) 525-8524 or via email at amy@beaufortsc.org. …

The temperatures are warming, the sand gnats are out and we are in the middle of lots of testing at the schools; it must be Spring in the Lowcountry! I had the occasion to see Wendy Pollitzer last Friday as we both joined Dr. Zais, State Superintendent of Schools and Rep. Shannon Erickson on a tour of local schools. It is always great to see the fabulous work being done by our students and teachers, but I was reminded that I had not written an update lately so here we are. …

Close to forty boys and girls, ages 7 to 14, participated in a local Pitch, Hit and Run Competition last weekend at Burton Wells ballpark sponsored by Aquafina and Major League Baseball. Free to all competitors, this event, hosted by the Beaufort Kiwanis, was a tremendous success with fourteen of the winners advancing to the Sectional PH&R competition to be held at Grayson Stadium in Savannah on 14 May. …

As this school year is drawing to an end many parents are faced with the decision as to where their child can obtain the best education during the upcoming school year. It is a tough decision and one that every parent faces each new school year. …

FACT ONE: Beaufort County School District (BCSD) HAS THE LOWEST MILLAGERATE IN SOUTH CAROLINA AT 116.59 MILLS. COMPARE THIS TO RICHLAND COUNTY SCHOOLS (COLUMBIA) WHERE THE MILLAGE IS 284.4—MORE THAN TWICE AS HIGH. …

The City of Beaufort, as part of its program to transition to a form based code, has recently conducted a series of public meetings or charrettes, during which planners met with residents and attempted to develop a common vision for the city. The county has plans to conduct a similar meeting in the future for Lady’s Island residents. …